Skegness United, Gainsborough Town 4

United suffered their first defeat of the season in their quarter-final cup exit against a strong Gainsborough Town side on Saturday.

After their midweek exertions against Boston United, the players looked noticeably off the pace and were made to pay for a collective below par performance.

From the kick off Gainsborough took the game to United and had the first shot on goal after four minutes.

Two minutes later Town took the lead when Craig Lill received a through ball on the left of the United area and placed the ball past Martin from close range.

On 22 minutes Gainsborough increased their lead when a ball over the United defence was met by Craig Lill who gave Martin no chance with his shot from inside the area.

Within three minutes United were back in the game when Ryan O’Loughlin received the ball just inside the visitors half, and advanced before firing another stunning strike into the net from 25 yards to continue his incredible run of scoring in every match so far this season.

United went close on 40 minutes when a cross by Sam Sleight was met by Kurt Crossley at the near post, but he could not get a clean connection and the ball was cleared.

The first action of the second half came from United when the ball was laid back to Sean Chamberlain whose audacious strike from 40 yards was just over the bar.

Then O’Loughlin broke on the right and after his first shot was blocked, he laid the ball to Chamberlain whose shot was just past the post.

On 60 minutes Gainsborough scored their third and put the game to bed when Hutchinson broke free on the right and his cross was met with a firm header by Lee Bognar from 10 yards out.

Eight minutes later Gainsborough went further ahead when Geno Robinson fired home from 15 yards.